I have been learning something lately- or should I say the Lord has been showing me something lately.

I teach high school students that are having difficulty earning their credits and behaving in class. This is really hysterical because I HATE confrontation and I would just rather let things "slide" than say a thing. My students know this about me... they know I'm more permissive than the other alternative teachers.

However, through teaching at an alternative school- I HAVE to draw lines. I've gotten a stronger backbone. I write passes to the dean. I lay down rules- otherwise the students go nuts (and so do I).

Boundaries. Rules. Routine. CONFRONTATION about mistakes and errors (ICK!).

Whew. I am so not a person that likes the above at all! But at the same time they are necessary.

However, if one is TOO strict, and leaves no room for grace, then it is a dictatorship. We know how we feel about THAT (or at least I do... I want to RUN RUN RUN away as fast as my legs will carry me)!

For example, my daughter Zoe had her first report card last night- 3 A's and a B (sorry... I have to CHEER and be a PROUD MAMA for a bit- please indulge a sister for a second!!!). However, I know there are parents that would find this B unacceptable... which I find completely out of balance and losing sight of the important things. If I were to be too hard on her and push TOO hard, she might continue to try to live up to my standards (because she is a pleaser) but lose ALL JOY in going to school. Sadly she'd live in fear of failure. Heck, if she were like my students she'd just flunk to prove a point. Do you guys understand what I'm saying???

I'm using school and teaching as examples... but this grace/rules balance should be in every facet of life. I don't know. God understands the balance between rules and grace. I don't get it yet. GOD... PAPA... show me YOUR way, so that I might have wisdom. I NEED WISDOM!

So where's the line?

What do you guys think?

Oh Julie..how I needed to hear this today! I am so struggling with this too! I wish I had some wisdom to help you..I'm running off little to no sleep today. I'm kind of fuzzy.

I need to remember that I'm free to be with the Lord...that I don't have to "do" anything to get His approval. It's His free gift to me...sometimes I lose sight of that and anxiety slips in and wraps itself around my throat. It can be paralyzing! But I'm doing it myself..there is no room for me to hear the Lord when I'm drowning Him out like that. (am I making any sense at all?) LOL..I'm so tired, I just don't know!

I love you sweetie...I'll revisit this again soon.
God Bless you sister...and Yippppeeee proud mama...give that baby a great big hug & a high five from me!
Love ya girl,
Lisa

Having taken in foster kids, I learned that firm rules are not only needed they are desired. Children (and adults) like clear sets of boundries.

They have to be clear, with consistent consequences, do this then a, do this then b. But also leave room for good behavior. For example, if they were grounded for a week, wash dishes a couple times a get off being grounded a day early. When I failed to set clear boundries, it was disastrous not only for me but the child as well.

"Disastrous not only for me but the child as well..."

Whew. Isn't that the way it is with us when we live a life without God? As His children, He loves us enough to discipline us when we step out of line. Praise the Lord (am I actually PRAISING GOD for correction??? WHAT??? LOL!).

I just love you Lisa. Performance.... oh man. I have to fight like heck to not go there. I grew up in a performance based house- constantly fearing my next failure. It is a hard habit to shake. Jesus loves me... for me? When this locked in... as it continues to lock into my spirit... I am free. It is for freedom He set us free.

I love you both! Thanks for celebrating my daughter's success with me Lisa.